Choosing Between The Different Sports Energy Drinks

When you choose between sports energy drinks, it is important to find one that will best meet your needs. Because you need the energy, you will want one that provides you with energy over a longer period of time rather than one that will give you a burst of energy and then crash. You also want one that won”t have a negative impact on your overall health, especially over time. When you choose a sports energy drink, pay attention to the labels and do your research.

One important factor to check into is the glycemic index of the drink. This number relates to the amount of sugar present in the drink. More sugar will create a burst of energy at first, but then your body will experience extreme fatigue afterward. Keep the glycemic index low and you will experience longer-lasting energy. Choosing a sports energy drink with fruit juice instead of sugars will help and is healthier as well.

The sodium levels present in sports energy drinks can help you choose the right one as well. In general, sodium should be consumed in moderation. However, sodium ingredients, such as sodium chloride, citrate and biocarbonate, are necessary to process carbohydrates and ensure proper muscle function. Therefore, keeping your sodium levels up as you participate in sports will aid you in your performance. The longer or harder you play, the more sodium you need.

Higher levels of potassium can also aid you in your performance for many of the same reasons as sodium. Therefore, it is important to find a sports energy drink that also offers a higher level of potassium ingredients, such as monopotassium phosphate, l-lactate and dipotassium phosphate. Watch for these ingredients and the amounts to help you pick the one that will enhance your performance by providing you with the energy you need to perform.

Knowing what to look for when you browse the available sports energy drinks will help you to find the one that best meets your needs. You want to choose one that won”t have a negative impact on your health, but will provide your body with everything it needs to stay active. One of the most important aspects of a good sports energy drink is to find one that will give you prolonged energy instead of one that will give you a big burst of immediate energy, followed by extreme fatigue.